Yes, more than three HOA board members can get together socially, but they must be cautious not to discuss association business in a way that could be considered a board meeting under the Davis-Stirling Act.

Key Points to Consider:

1. Quorum Rule  – If a majority of the board (quorum) is present and discusses HOA matters, it could be considered an unauthorized meeting under Civil Code § 4090.
2. Social Gatherings Are Allowed – Board members can attend social events together (e.g., dinners, community events), as long as no official HOA business is discussed.
3. Email and Serial Meetings – Even if board members don’t meet in person, they must avoid discussing HOA matters through a series of emails, phone calls, or text messages that collectively form a “serial meeting” (Civil Code § 4910).
   Best Practice:

1) If board members meet socially, they should actively avoid discussing HOA-related issues to prevent any potential legal violations. If any HOA topics arise, it’s best to redirect the conversation or formally schedule a proper board meeting with notice to homeowners.

2) Make a formal announcement statement that this is not a board meeting and that HOA matter are not to be discussed

3) Should the conversation drift toward HOA topics: – STOP the conversation

– ANNOUNCE and STATE that this cannot occur, defer to a board meeting – REDIRECT the conversation

4) AVOID such events as somebody will perceive, misconstrue or make allegations and accuse that HOA matters were discussed

5) Have a standard template response available

LOUIS SWANEPOEL
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER
CACM